Hospitality

byUpper Room AdministratoronNovember 21, 2017

Today’s Reflection

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, hesed is a practice of welcome and hospitality among the Hebrew people. Hesed requires that the host and the sojourner eat together to signify welcoming and connecting with the stranger. It is clear to me that eating together is the sign of real community more than any other behavior named in the Hebrew or Christian Scriptures. …

It is not enough to feed persons who happen to be poor. If we are to be in community and have hope for our transformation as well as the transformation of those who happen to be poor, then we have to eat together.

Related

Eating together with the young moms on Tuesday nights was a key component of the evening. This is a practice of the center on each evening, not just Tuesday nights. Too often, the leaders would gather together at one table to eat. But, we got better at spreading out throughout the room, sitting at tables and talking with the moms and their kiddos. At the homeless shelter where I volunteer once a month – we are not permitted to sit with those we serve. We sit off to the side when we are finished serving and then wait for them to finish, to clean up.
Grateful for small group study last evening – we are now on break until after the New Year. Grateful for friends who offer to help with leaves – but even more grateful that my hands are not inhibiting me from yard work.

Have to look and see if there is a homeless shelter. Have volunteered at homeless shelters. At the one where I had the most meaningful experience we prepared food, sat and ate with the guests, and also spent the night with them acting as a watch. It was a family shelter so there were kids too. Played with them, helped with homework. Each family had a room of their own. In the end each family was helped to find an apartment they could afford. The 52 weeks of the year were shared by churches and synagogues. It was the only family homeless shelter in the county.

Thankful Jill’s hands have recovered so well, Anneliese has water from a new pump and tank, Marcy’s migraine is gone, Lou is recovering from surgery, there are posts from the UR family. A wonderful supper with my son.The list of blessings goes on. Thank You, Lord. This is not a one day, or week, or month long event, but every single day. Blessings from the Lord are endless. Psalm 100 really fits here. Thank You, Lord. The Lord is with us, His mercies are new every day. Peace be with you.

Oh, how I agree Robert, the Lord provides so much each day. Discussing the homeless highlights one of the many blessings that I thank God for each day. I have a home which shelters me, provides safety and shelter from the elements. There are homeless shelters in Pittsburgh, but that is, depending on traffic, from 45 minutes to an hour or more from my home. In, the summer, possible, but in the winter not so much. Especially with my fingers getting far worse in the winter.
I have been seriously considering a program that has volunteers send letters and packages to deployed service members.
Blessings and thanks to the UR fellowhip members posting and reading
Have a thank filled day